If you watched the Democratic candidate presidential debate last night, you probably noticed that the issues of race and gender had largely been put to rest by Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton. While this surprised some of the political pundits, it probably shouldn't have, given some of the recent speeches both candidates had given. Take a look and a listen to some of Clinton's and Obama's recent comments included in this MSNBC video clip:

If you would like to read more about race in politics, or about presidential speeches and speaking styles, why don't you take a look at these books and CDs:

Race and Politics
A bound man : why we are excited about Obama and why he can't win / Shelby Steele.
Running on race : racial politics in presidential campaigns, 1960-2000 / Jeremy D. Mayer.

Presidential Speeches and Speaking Styles
Presidential voices : speaking styles from George Washington to George W. Bush / Allan Metcalf.
Great speeches of the 20th century, Volume one: Presidential addresses [sound recording].
Abraham Lincoln : speeches and writings.